Mitigation Resources

Also of Interest

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Natural disasters can impact any of us, anywhere, at any time. In 2012, the financial toll in the United States alone exceeded $100 billion, and the loss of life and emotional toll is immeasurable. No region of the country is immune—112 events in 32 states were declared natural disasters in the U.S. during 2012.

The National Building Museum’s exhibition, Designing for Disaster, examines how we assess risks from natural hazards and how we can create policies, plans, and designs yielding safer, more disaster-resilient communities.

Use these resources to learn about steps you can take in your own home and community to prepare for disasters, remain safe, and prevent damage. For more resources, articles, and mitigation stories check out the Museum's Designing for Disaster blog MitigationNation.

Fire

Wildfire PreparednessNational Fire Protection AssociationFind out what the experts know about the best way to make your home and neighborhood safer from wildfire. From the basics of defensible space and sound landscaping techniques to research on how homes ignite (and what you can do about it), there are tips, tools and teachings you can use.

Wildland Fire Safety Tips SheetNational Fire Protection AssociationNFPA's wildfire safety tips sheet encourages residents to work together to make their own property—and their neighborhood—much safer from wildfire.

Earth

What is an earthquake engineer and how do I become one?Consortium of Universities for Research in Earthquake EngineeringCareer guidance information for middle school and high school students explaining what an earthquake engineer is, courses to take in high school, and describing the civil engineering college major.

Earthquake MythologyConsortium of Universities for Research in Earthquake Engineering Illustrated essay aimed at a general public audience explaining misconceptions about earthquakes.

Nonstructural Earthquake DamageConsortium of Universities for Research in Earthquake Engineering Illustrated essay explaining the types and causes of nonstructural earthquake damage and picturing both damage and ways to prevent the damage.

Resilient DesignConstruction SpecialtiesThis essay provides an overview of tools architects and engineers can use when designing for resiliency.

Designing for ResiliencyConstruction SpecialtiesThis booklet goes over the available construction techniques for mitigating the effects of a seismic event.

A Case Study for Earthquake DesignConstruction SpecialtiesThis case study examines the seismic mitigation for the the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Ray and Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building.

WatherWatchU.S. Geological SurveyIf you want to know whether river levels in your area are higher or lower than normal, visit USGS WaterWatch.

Water

WaterAlertU.S. Geological SurveyUse USGS WaterAlert to receive texts or emails when water levels at a specific streamgage exceed certain thresholds.

Water & the DutchRoyal Netherlands Embassy, Washington, D.C.This portal gives summary descriptions of various Dutch flood risk reduction approaches and collaborative projects in and with the U.S.

Greater New Orleans Urban Water PlanWaggonner and Ball ArchitectsA compilation of resources for the New Orleans Urban Water Plan, developed by a Dutch-American team, applying the Living with Water approach to one of America's most iconic and flood-prone cities. There is an App (found on iTunes) about the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan that summarizes the plan and is readily accessible for common citizens and practitioners alike.

FloodSmartFederal Emergency Management AgencySee just how much damage flooding can cause, assess your individual flood risk, and learn more about flood insurance.

General

Weather-Ready NationNOAA National Weather ServiceWith "Weather-Ready Nation,” NOAA and partners such as FEMA underscore being prepared when natural disasters hit, and how to stay safe at home, at school and at work.

Prepare My BusinessU.S. Small Business Association"Prepare My Business” looks at disaster planning as a lifeline to staying in business – up to 60% of small business never reopen following a disaster.

Global Disaster Preparedness CenterThis site is a space for collaboration among practitioners in the disaster preparedness and related communities. The site offers a variety of ways in which users can share their own experience, contribute to the content, and ask questions. Practitioners and champions of disaster preparedness from all walks of life are welcome and encouraged to become part of the site community.

FEMA Building ScienceFederal Emergency Management AgencyPublications, guidance, and tools that focus on creating disaster-resilient communities to reduce loss of life and property as a result of a variety of hazards.

FEMA Plan, Prepare & MitigateFederal Emergency Management AgencyThere are actions that should be taken before, during and after an event. These resources help you plan for different hazards in your area.